If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.
– Isaac Newton

In 2025, WVA celebrated 125 years of continuous operation. The membership has grown, the organization has expanded, and we have built on the foundation laid by the tireless work of many artists before us. Because of their tenacity, we continue to realize the rewards of being an organization by artists for artists.

Lifetime Membership is a distinguished membership category awarded through nomination and approval by the Board. To qualify, a member must have maintained membership in WVA for 20 consecutive years and have demonstrated outstanding achievement in or support for the arts in Wisconsin. Service to WVA is has always been a considered component of this membership status, and the Lifetime Members for 2026 have contributed significant time and talent supporting and growing WVA.


We are proud of and deeply grateful for our Lifetime Members.

Artwork of Lifetime Members of WVA in 2026 are presented in this virtual gallery, to honor them, their work, and their contributions to art in Wisconsin.

Click on any image to enlarge, and scroll through the entire gallery at your own pace. Learn more about each member in the table below the gallery.

Artist (link to WVA Member Directory)City
Tamlyn AkinsBlack Earth
Steve BallardAppleton
Valerie J. ChristellBurlington
Virgilyn DriscollOconomowoc
Christine Buth FurnessBrookfield
Gary John GreslBrookfield
Doug E. L. HaynesMadison
Jayne Reid JacksonMadison
Nancy L LamersTheresa
Marie E. MellottShorewood
Lee MothesKaukauna
Ruth Ewart (nee) MuehlmeierBrookfield/Oconomowoc
Jeanne Cole PankaWaukesha
Janet McClintick RobertsBrookfield
Roberta E ScherrerGreen Bay
Colette Odya SmithWauwatosa
Christine StyleGreen Bay
Tori TaschHartland
Peggy Thurston FarrellWaukesha
Bilhenry WalkerEau Claire
Charles F. WicklerWaukesha
Peggy Flora ZaluchaMount Horeb